October 14, 2021
Saluki Alumni Plaza formally dedicated at homecoming
Privately funded project has become a new favorite spot on campus
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Saluki Alumni Plaza will be formally dedicated on Friday, Oct. 15, during SIU Homecoming 2021, during a brief ceremony recognizing alumni and friends who donated to the project since fundraising began in 2018 by the SIU Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors.
The plaza, sitting in front of Pulliam Hall and adorned with a centerpiece statue of three Salukis dogs created by alumnus John Medwedeff, ’86, M.F.A. ’91, has become a favorite spot on the SIU Carbondale campus. Featured in several, new university marketing pieces and a frequented selfie spot by students and visiting alumni, the plaza is serving the campus community exactly as it was envisioned.
The centerpiece statue was installed in June of 2020. Other features of the plaza, including benches, planters and plaques, were added in the ensuing months.
“It’s rewarding to see so many students and alumni sharing pictures of themselves in front of Saluki Alumni Plaza,” said Molly Hudgins, ’97, president of the association board. “It’s definitely become a stop on many campus tours, and I’m proud our alumni were able to make it happen in such a short period of time.”
Jeff Gleim, executive director of the association, said a formal unveiling and opening of the plaza was delayed until now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Still, its very presence on campus seems to be a magnet for people, especially during graduations, when students are lining up in their caps and gowns to get a selfie with the statue,” he said. “It’s a great work of art and iconic addition to an already beautiful campus.”
Notable Donors to Saluki Alumni Plaza:
Traditions Club Level ($100,000+)
Roger and Sally Tedrick
Saluki Club Level ($25,000+)
Moller Family Foundation
SIU Alumni Association
SIU Foundation
Promise Club Level ($10,000+)
The Hudgins Family
Matt and Laura Soucy
Pride Club Level ($5,000+)
The Lingle-Ittner Family
John Thomas Still Trust
Dr. Atmesh and Mrs. Meera Sinha
Alumni Club Level ($1,000+)
The Ralph Bedwell Family
John and Cindy Bratton
Drs. Treg and Karla Brown
Dennis and Barbara Burd
Ken and Betty Buzbee
The Byers Family
Diane Compardo and Ron Wienstroer
Joseph M. Dodd
Brandon Edwards and Amanda Mulch
Michael J. and MaryBeth A. Farmer
Mark and Laura Ford
Terry Gannon
The Harkovich Family
Donald J. Healy Jr.
Charles Helleny
Kelly Higgins and Jeff Lehman
John W. Hunt, Ph.D. and Karen L. Hunt
Glenn A. McKinstry
Larry and Amy Mieldezis
Woody Mosgers
Julian C. Pei and Nancy Hunter Pei
Ronald Rice
Howard M. and Karri I. Spiegel
Andrew Stoker
Michelle Suarez and Gary Robinson
Steve Waranauskas
Gary R. Weber
Wes and Eileen Wilkins
Barbara N. Wolf
Greg and Anna Wright
Rick and Karen Wysocki